Iguana crossing? Not in Md's O.C.

Reptilian pets in Ocean City will have to stay inside after the town council amended local law to keep such creatures off public streets, the beach, Boardwalk, alleys and sidewalks.

Ocean City Council members made the change after a councilwoman expressed concern over a man who walks around on the resort town's boardwalk and asks people if they'd like to pet his iguana. The council gave Joseph Short, dubbed “Iguana Man” by council members, a reptile permit in 2007, in accordance with a local law that requires permits for anyone who keeps a reptile as a pet.

The new rules also prohibit resort shops from selling frogs or lizards bigger than four inches.

Reptiles may be banned in public, but there is an exception for people taking pets to the veterinarian.
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Information from: The Daily Times of Salisbury, Md., http://www.delmarvanow.com/